Climbing Aid, Ski and Method for Producing a Climbing Aid

ABSTRACT

A climbing aid for a ski has a plane base element which is connected on the inner side to a fastener to be detachably fastened to a running surface of the ski and which is connected on the outer side to backwards-slipping prevention elements acting contrary to a direction of travel. A flexible plastic support material forms the base element, and the backwards-slipping prevention elements are integrally formed with the plastic support material. In lateral regions, the base element has backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings positioned obliquely to the direction of travel and, in the central region, has backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The push-off wings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements of a first type are of lesser length and/or of lesser height than the push-off wings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements of a second type.

The invention relates to a climbing aid for a ski, in particular atouring ski, comprising a plane base element which is connected on theinner side to fastening means in order to be detachably fastened to arunning surface of the ski and which is connected on the outer side tobackwards-slipping prevention elements acting contrary to a direction oftravel, wherein a flexible plastic support material is provided as abase element, and the backwards-slipping prevention elements areintegrally formed with the plastic support material, and to a ski havingsuch a climbing aid.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a climbing aidfor a ski, in particular a touring ski, wherein a plane base element isconnected on the inner side to fastening means in order to be detachablyfastened to a running surface of the ski and is connected on the outerside to backwards-slipping prevention elements acting contrary to adirection of travel.

During ski touring, so-called climbing skins are usually used as aclimbing aid. The climbing skins are applied on the running surface ofthe ski. Usually, the back of the skins is provided with a flexibleadhesive glue which is connected with the running surface of the ski. Inthis condition climbing is performed. Prior to downhill running, theskins are removed, possibly covered by a thin film on the side coatedwith the glue, and folded.

Such a climbing skin and a method for producing same are, for instance,known from EP 2 000 182 A1. The climbing skin comprises a support layerto which a pile of fibers is fastened. The fibers may be a mono filamentor a multi filament.

The known climbing aids basically work in a satisfactory manner, butthey have some disadvantages. Due to the complex structure theirproduction is relatively cost-intensive.

Furthermore, the skins are relatively heavy. The substantialdisadvantage of the climbing skins, however, consists in that theclimbing skins, in certain snow conditions, tend to balling, which meansto the forming of clots of snow and ice. If, at the beginning of a skitour in lower altitude, very moist snow conditions exist, the fibers ofthe climbing skins are soaked. During climbing the temperaturedecreases, having as a consequence that the snow cover transitions to aso-called dry snow. This dry snow may adhere in the form of ice to themoist and/or soaked climbing skin, which may entail the ballingmentioned, and which may greatly aggravate the further climbing.

Moreover, flexible climbing aids of plastic in which backwards-slippingprevention elements are formed have already been proposed in the stateof the art. The design of the backwards-slipping prevention elements ofthese climbing aids has, however, proved little satisfactory for touringskis, so that the known plastic climbing aids could not establishthemselves. In practice it was observed in particular that such climbingaids either had too high sliding resistance or did not offer sufficienthold in the case of hillside crossing.

DE 83 25 866 U1 discloses a band-shaped climbing aid device which can befastened to a ski by means of loops; alternatively, however, an adhesivelayer may also be provided. The climbing aid device comprises, on theuseful surface facing away from the running surface layer, a saw toothstructure with undercuts, so that the climbing aid slides better on snowin the one direction than in the opposite direction. This climbing aid,however, does not offer sufficient slip prevention in the case ofclimbing routes with hillside crossing.

CH 162175 A provides a slip prevention strip for skis which can berolled up and which is to replace the climbing skins known. The slipprevention strip is made of rubber, wherein barb-type slip preventionmeans are provided which consist of a piece of the lower surface andscarcely prevent forward sliding, but are to prevent backward slipping.In one embodiment the slip prevention comprises slip prevention means onboth sides which protect from backward slipping with the one face andfrom sideward slipping with the other face. In practice, however, nosatisfactory results could be achieved with such slip prevention means,either.

DE 84 22 010 U1 describes another climbing aid consisting of a bandwhich is provided with backward-directed lamellas on a side facing theground. The lamellas and the band may be manufactured integrally ofplastic. The climbing aid is applied to the ski by means of an adhesivelayer on the upper side of the band. The lamellas are formed in ascale-like manner in rows, wherein the rows are arranged in the form ofa circular arc. It is, however, a disadvantage with this lamella-typedesign that moist snow may accumulate in the covering lamellagaps—similar to the classical climbing skin—and may easily become ice asthe temperature changes during climbing. Such icing-up produces a highdecelerating effect, so that climbing is correspondingly aggravated.

FR 1 170 272 A discloses another slip prevention aid which can bedetachably fastened to a ski and which is produced of a rubber material.This results in flexibility of the slip prevention aid which comprisesat its underside tongue elements preventing backward slipping. Thearrangement of the tongue elements on the slip prevention aid, however,also entails the afore-described disadvantage that sufficient slipprevention cannot be achieved in the case of hillside crossing.

DE 82 05 601 U1 describes another climbing aid which may be formed by arubber part or an elastic plastic part. Elasticity is such that theclimbing aid can be hooked in on the ski by means of eyes and hooks. Onthe other hand, however, gluing to the ski is also conceived. Theclimbing aid comprises saw tooth-like elevations on the underside. Thisclimbing aid is also subject to the afore-described restrictions.

Furthermore, climbing aids in the form of ski crampons are known in thestate of the art. AT 12 128 U1 illustrates such a climbing aid which isproduced of a hard, rigid material, in particular inert steel orplastic. The climbing aid comprises lateral steel bands. Moreover,resistance lamellas are provided. This climbing aid is fastened in thebinding region by means of textile or plastic bands which are providedwith hook-and-loop fasteners. Such climbing aids of hard, rigid materialare especially suited for climbing on icy ground. For lengthy climbingon snow the ski crampons are not suited, though. Moreover, such climbingaids cannot be adapted to the ski geometry.

Moreover, langlauf skis are known in the state of the art in which ascale-like region is provided in the central region. EP 0 592 384, forinstance, discloses a langlauf ski in which the scale-like region servesas a push-off aid in order to prevent backwards slipping during thelanglauf step. Such a backwards slipping aid can, however, not be usedfor touring skis since touring skis are provided with steel edges, sothat the region preventing backwards slipping would be positionedbetween the steel edges and thus could not press itself sufficientlyinto the snow surface.

Another example of a different langlauf ski is described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,919,447 A.

It is an object of the invention to provide a climbing aid of simpleconstruction which can be produced in a cost-efficient manner and bywhich the disadvantages of known climbing aids are eliminated or atleast mitigated. Accordingly, the particular aim of the invention is toprovide a climbing aid which cares for sufficient hold on the ground inthe case of changing snow conditions and in the case of hillsidecrossing.

For solution of this object, a climbing aid with the features of claim1, a ski with the features of claim 19, and a method with the featuresof claim 21 are provided. Preferred embodiments are indicated in thedependent claims.

The base element of the climbing aid is a flexible plastic supportmaterial, wherein the backwards-slipping prevention elements are formedintegrally with the plastic support material. Accordingly, the planebase element of the climbing aid consists of a flexible plastic supportmaterial which comprises a profile with the backwards-slippingprevention elements on the side facing the snow. This design guaranteesoptimum hold on the ground even in the case of changing snow conditions,wherein the production of clots on the side facing the snow, alsoreferred to as balling, is largely prevented. The plastic supportmaterial with the backwards-slipping prevention elements hassubstantially less tendency to wetting with water than the knownclimbing skins, so that the soaking of the fibers which is a problem inthe state of the art with respect to balling is avoided. Thus,sufficient slip prevention can even be ensured if the snow conditionsduring climbing vary due to the prevailing temperature and weatherconditions. The backwards-slipping prevention elements are here, otherthan the fibers of the climbing skins, arranged substantially immovablyon the plastic support material, wherein a certain deformability exists,of course, due to the inherent elasticity of the plastic material. Dueto the flexibility of the plastic support material the handling of theclimbing aid advantageously corresponds to that of climbing skins, sothat the climbing aid can be fastened to the ski or be detached from itin the usual manner. For the purposes of the instant disclosure, amaterial sheet of plastic is meant to be the flexible plastic supportmaterial, which is, by manual force, adaptable to the geometry of therunning surface of the ski at least in sections, preferably, however,over the entire length. In the mounted climbing position the climbingaid extends preferably over the entire length of the ski, so that afavorable introduction of forces in the snow surface is cared for. Thisembodiment of the climbing aid moreover advantageously enablesefficiency increases and cost reductions in series production.

For solution of the initially indicated object the base elementcomprises, in accordance with one embodiment, in lateral regionsbackwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings positionedobliquely to the direction of travel and, in the central region,backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. Advantageously,the sliding resistance in forward direction, in particular in the caseof hillside crossing, can be reduced, wherein the slipping prevention inbackward direction is guaranteed by the perpendicular arrangement of thebackwards-slipping prevention elements in the central region.Advantageously, the backwards-slipping prevention elements in thelateral regions are arranged in a plurality of rows obliquely to thedirection of travel, wherein the backwards-slipping prevention elementsin the central region are preferably also arranged in a plurality ofrows, but substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. Eachrow in the lateral regions and/or in the central region preferablycomprises a plurality of, in particular between 2 and 10,backwards-slipping prevention elements.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention forsolution of the same object the base element comprises, in lateral edgeregions, backwards-slipping prevention elements of a first type and inthe central region backwards-slipping prevention elements of a secondtype, wherein the push-off wings of the backwards-slipping preventionelements of the first type have lesser length and/or lesser height thanthe push-off wings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements of thesecond type. In correspondence with the foregoing alternative embodimentit is thus possible to achieve the common technical effect that slidingin the direction of travel is facilitated by the less pronouncedbackwards-slipping prevention elements at the lateral regions while slipprevention is ensured by the more pronounced backwards-slippingprevention elements in the central region.

In this embodiment it has turned out to be of advantage if the push-offwings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements in the lateralregions are arranged at an angle of 30° to 60° to the direction oftravel. The angle between the obliquely positioned backwards-slippingprevention elements at the sides and the direction of travel may, forinstance, substantially be 45°.

It is additionally preferred if the backwards-slipping preventionelements in the lateral regions and in the central region are designedequally, in particular substantially identically. Accordingly, thisembodiment provides preferably backwards-slipping prevention elements ofequal shape and size, wherein the backwards-slipping prevention elementsin the lateral regions are positioned obliquely to thebackwards-slipping prevention elements arranged there between.

In order to avoid sideward slipping, in particular in the case ofhillside crossing, it is preferably provided that the base elementcomprises, in the lateral regions and/or in the central region,sidewards-slipping prevention elements which extend in the direction oftravel. The sidewards-slipping prevention elements are preferably formedby longitudinal webs extending substantially in the direction of travel,i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the climbing aid. The lateralsupport, in particular in the case of hillside crossing, can thus beimproved.

An embodiment, in which the base element is made of a polyolefinmaterial, in particular polyethylene, is particularly preferred. Thepolyolefin materials have the advantage that they have a low specificweight, usually between 0.9 and 0.98 g/cm³, on the one hand, andfurthermore very good sliding properties on snow, and are additionallylittle susceptible to the formation of ice when used.

In order to achieve the slip-preventing effect of the climbing aid it isfavorable if the backwards-slipping prevention elements comprise rampelements which rise contrary to the direction of travel and which rampelements each form a push-off wing. The push-off wings are preferablyarranged at least in sections substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal plane of the climbing aid so as to achieve the holdingeffect on the snow surface. With respect to the shape of the rampelements, various embodiments and modifications are conceivable in thescope of the invention. For instance, the ramp elements may be designedscale-like. The ramp elements may, however, also be elongate, whereinthe ramp elements may also extend over substantially the entire breadthof the plastic support material. The push-off wings of the ramp elementsmay extend straightly or curved in an arc. In plan view thebackwards-slipping prevention elements may, for instance, be of polygon,in particular trapezoid, design.

In tests it has surprisingly turned out to be favorable if the push-offwings have a height of 0.2 to 1 mm, in particular of 0.4 to 0.8 mm. Thisis because it has shown that a height of the push-off wings of less than0.2 mm would provide too little hold during climbing, but a height ofthe push-off wings of more than 1 mm would result in a too strongdecelerating effect.

In order to improve the slip prevention contrary to the direction oftravel, it is moreover of advantage if the push-off wings formacute-angled undercuts.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment the backwards-slippingprevention elements are arranged in a plurality of rows which arepreferably offset from each other. Preferably, a plurality ofbackwards-slipping prevention elements are provided in each row. Withrespect to the introduction of force into the snow surface it isfavorable if the backwards-slipping prevention elements are arrangedsubstantially over the entire length and/or breadth of the climbing aid,wherein in the mounted climbing position the climbing aid preferablycovers substantially the entire running surface of the ski.

In order to facilitate the transport of the climbing aid it is favorableif the base element comprises at least two longitudinal sections whichare preferably connected with each other by a respective hingeconnection. In some embodiments the flexibility of the plastic supportmaterial may suffice to be able to arrange the climbing aid in a compacttransport position, in particular in a folded or rolled-up position. Inanother embodiment the arrangement in the transport position may befacilitated by the hinge connection. The hinge connection may, forinstance, be used as a folding line about which sequential longitudinalsections of the climbing aid are folded.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment the hinge connection comprisesa connection element which is arranged substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal direction of the base element and which has higherflexibility than the plastic support material. In this case it isfavorable if the climbing aid is produced in a 2-component injectionmolding process, wherein the connection element is formed by a flexiblematerial.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment the plastic supportmaterial, for forming the hinge connection, comprises at least one notchextending preferably over the entire breadth of the plastic supportmaterial, wherein each hinge connection preferably comprises a pluralityof adjacent notches. Due to the reduction in cross section of theplastic support material in the region of the notch the swivelingcapacity of the longitudinal sections relative to each other isimproved. This embodiment is particularly favorable with respect toproduction technology.

In order to be able to arrange the climbing aid in a compact transportposition it is favorable if the plastic support material comprises atleast one notch on the inner side and at least one notch on the outerside, wherein preferably more than two notches are providedalternatingly on the inner side and on the outer side of the plasticsupport material. For storing the climbing aid, the longitudinalsections may be folded along the notches.

The swiveling capacity of the longitudinal sections relative to eachother may further be achieved in that the plastic support material isunderlaid with a connection layer having lower layer thickness and/orhigher elasticity than the plastic support material, wherein arespective gap is formed between two longitudinal sections of theplastic support material. Accordingly, the climbing aid comprisesincreased flexibility in the region of the gaps between the longitudinalsections, said increased flexibility facilitating the folding of theclimbing aid for transport.

In the afore-described embodiments the climbing aid in particularcomprises longitudinal sections which are fixedly connected with oneanother. Contrary to this it is provided in accordance with a furtherpreferred embodiment that the base element comprises at least twolongitudinal sections which are connected with one another by adetachable connection. Accordingly, with this embodiment the climbingaid is of dismountable design.

In order to be able to dismount the climbing aid for transport, it isfavorable if the detachable connection comprises cooperating positivelocking elements which are preferably adapted to prevent detaching ofthe connection in the longitudinal plane of the base element and toallow detaching perpendicular thereto. The positive locking elements arepreferably designed in the kind of a groove and tongue connection,wherein the cooperating positive locking elements engage in a positivelocking manner in the mounted climbing position. The positive lockingelements may, for instance, be formed by a projection and a matchingrecess. In this embodiment the longitudinal sections of the base elementare preferably formed by injection molded parts.

As is per se usual with the known climbing skins, an adhesive layer forthe adhesive, detachable fastening to the running surface of the ski ispreferably provided as a fastening means.

In order to improve the application of the adhesive layer it isfavorable if an adhesive agent layer, in particular of a fleecematerial, is provided between the flexible plastic support material andthe adhesive layer.

If the climbing aid in the climbing position extends along the skisubstantially over the entire breadth of the ski, covering thelongitudinal edges of the ski, an optimum backwards-slipping preventioncan surprisingly be achieved.

The object underlying the invention is additionally solved by a method,as initially mentioned, in which the base element is produced of aflexible plastic support material in which the backwards-slippingprevention elements are formed. Advantageously, savings andsimplifications as compared to the relatively complex production ofclimbing skins can be achieved therewith.

In the method for producing the climbing aid, preferably in a firststep, a film web is produced, preferably by extrusion, which is, in asecond step, processed with a roller profiled in accordance with thebackwards-slipping prevention elements. Depending on the profile of theroller, various shapes of backwards-slipping prevention elements cantherefore be produced, so that the climbing aid can be adaptedspecifically to the respective requirements.

In this method it is moreover favorable if, in a first step, a film webis produced by extrusion which is connected with an adhesive agentlayer, in particular of a fleece material, for the application of anadhesive layer. After the extrusion the adhesive agent layer, e.g. afleece of plastic or glass fibers or a mesh, is applied, wherein theadhesive agent layer anchors in the melt. Thus, the adhesion between thefilm web and the adhesive layer can be improved. Subsequently, thebackwards-slipping prevention elements can be formed by stamping with aprofiled roller.

Alternatively, the base element may be produced in an injection moldingprocess, preferably in a plurality of longitudinal sections.

The invention will be explained in detail in the following by means ofembodiments illustrated in the drawing, to which it is not intended tobe restricted, though. There show:

FIG. 1 a climbing aid according to the invention to be detachablyfastened to a ski, wherein the climbing aid comprises a flexible plasticsupport material with scale-like backwards-slipping protection elements;

FIG. 2 a side view of the ski with the climbing aid in the climbingposition mounted on the ski;

FIG. 3 a bottom view of the ski with the climbing aid;

FIG. 4 schematically a production plant for producing the climbing aidaccording to the invention;

FIG. 5 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid in whichscale-like backwards-slipping prevention elements are arranged in rowsoffset from each other;

FIG. 6 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid in which,in plan view, approximately trapezoid backwards-slipping preventionelements are provided;

FIG. 7 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid withdifferent backwards-slipping prevention elements;

FIG. 8 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid in which,in the lateral regions, obliquely positioned backwards-slippingprevention elements and, in the central region, backwards-slippingprevention elements arranged perpendicular to the direction of travelare provided;

FIG. 9 a section of an embodiment of the climbing aid modified relativeto FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid in which,at the lateral edge regions, shorter and less pronouncedbackwards-slipping prevention elements than in the central region areprovided;

FIG. 11 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid withramp-shaped backwards-slipping prevention elements which extend over theentire breadth of the climbing aid;

FIG. 12 a a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid withpimple-shaped backwards-slipping prevention elements;

FIG. 12 b a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid withpimple elements of a different design;

FIG. 13 a view of the climbing aid in a condition corresponding to theclimbing position on the ski (FIG. 13 a) and/or in a rolled-up transportcondition (FIG. 13 b).

FIG. 14 a view of a further embodiment of the climbing aid in which twolongitudinal sections are provided which are connected by a hingeconnection, wherein the climbing aid in FIG. 14 a is illustrated in acondition corresponding to the climbing position mounted on the ski andin FIG. 14 b in a folded transport condition;

FIG. 15 a view of a further embodiment of the climbing aid in which theplastic support material comprises notches alternatingly on the innerside and on the outer side, so that the climbing aid can be transitionedbetween a condition corresponding to the climbing position mounted onthe ski (FIG. 15 a) and a folded transport condition (FIG. 15 b).

FIG. 16 a view of a further embodiment of the climbing aid in which thelongitudinal sections of the plastic support material are underlaid witha relatively thin connection layer, so that the longitudinal sections ofthe climbing aid are foldable at the gaps;

FIG. 17 a view of a further embodiment of the climbing aid in which thelongitudinal sections are connected with each other in a positivelocking manner;

FIG. 18 a view of an embodiment of the climbing aid which is modifiedwith respect to FIG. 7;

FIG. 19 a view corresponding substantially to FIG. 15A, wherein,however, a plurality of narrower notches are provided for forming thehinge connection;

FIG. 20 a view corresponding substantially to FIG. 8, whereinlongitudinal sidewards-slipping prevention elements are additionallyprovided in the lateral regions.

FIG. 1 illustrates a climbing aid 1 to be detachably fastened to a ski1′. The climbing aid 1 is used in ski tours so as to enable climbingover hillsides covered by snow and ice. The climbing aid 1 consists of aplane base element 2, i.e. a base element extending in the longitudinalplane, which base element is connected on the inner side to fasteningmeans 3 to be detachably fastened to a running surface 4 of the ski 1′without a tool. In the illustrated embodiment the fastening means 3 areformed by an adhesive layer 5 which can be connected with the runningsurface 4 in the direction of the arrow P. In the climbing positionmounted on the ski 1′ (FIG. 2) the climbing aid 1 extends substantiallyover the entire length and substantially over the entire breadth of theski 1′, including its longitudinal edges of steel, so that the requiredtransfer of force on the snow surface is ensured. For detaching of theclimbing aid 1 the adhesive connection is released.

As may further be gathered from FIGS. 1 and 2, backwards-slippingprevention elements 6 are provided on the outer side of the climbing aid1, i.e. on the side facing the snow surface, said backwards-slippingprevention elements 6 preventing a backward slipping of the ski 1′contrary to the direction of travel W during climbing. Thebackwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are substantially distributedover the entire length and breadth of the climbing aid 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, a flexible plastic support material 2′ isprovided as a base element 2, wherein the backwards-slipping preventionelements 6 are formed integrally with the plastic support material 2′.Accordingly, the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are formed asa profile of the plastic support material 2′. In the illustratedembodiment the plane base element 2 with the backwards-slippingprevention elements 6 formed therein is made of the same material as therunning surface 4 of the ski 1′, wherein preferably a polyolefinmaterial such as polyethylene is used.

As may further be gathered from FIGS. 1 to 3, in the illustratedembodiment ramp elements 7 rising contrary to the direction of travel Ware provided as backwards-slipping prevention elements 6, said rampelements 7 comprising at least in sections push-off wings 8 extendingobliquely to the direction of travel W. In accordance with FIGS. 1 to 3the ramp elements 7 are of scale-like design, wherein the ramp elements7 are arranged in a plurality of rows extending obliquely to thelongitudinal direction of the climbing aid 1, each row comprising aplurality of ramp elements 7. The sheet and/or film-like plastic supportmaterial 2′ is adhered to the running surface 4 in correspondence withthe known climbing skins in the direction of the arrows P. In a forwardmovement of the ski 1′ in the direction of travel W the ski 1′ can slideforward, but is prevented from sliding contrary to the direction oftravel W by the push-off wings 8 of the backwards-slipping preventionelements 6 which push-off wings 8 preferably extend substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the ski.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a production plant for producing theclimbing aid 1. In an extruder 10 the plastic material is molten andsubsequently pressed through a nozzle 11. In the illustrated embodimenta flat nozzle is used by means of which a sheet and/or film-likematerial web 12 is produced. The material web 12 is subsequentlyconveyed through cooperating rollers 13, 14 which are charged with apredetermined pressure P. The roller 14 is provided with a profile 15which reproduces the profiling of the base element 2 in the negative. Inengagement with the pair of rollers 13, 14 the profile 15 is pressedinto the material web 12 with the pressure P, wherein the finished baseelement 2 consisting of the plastic support material 2′ with thebackwards-slipping prevention elements 6 corresponding to the profile 15of the roller 14 is obtained.

With this simple production method it is possible to produce climbingaids 1 with various configurations of the backwards-slipping preventionelements 6, wherein FIGS. 5 to 12 illustrate strongly magnified sectionsof preferred embodiments of the base element 2, to which the inventionis not restricted, though.

In accordance with FIG. 5, scale-like, i.e. locally restricted,backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are provided which are arrangedin rows offset from each other, wherein the offset between the rows inthe illustrated embodiment corresponds substantially to half the breadthof the scale-like backwards-slipping prevention elements 6. The push-offwings 8 of the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are curved in anarc in the illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the scale-likebackwards-slipping prevention elements 6 which comprise straightpush-off wings 8 substantially perpendicular to the direction of travelW. In plan view, the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 areapproximately trapezoid.

In accordance with FIG. 7, backwards-slipping prevention elements 6which are rectangular in plan view and the longitudinal sides of whichare oriented in the direction of travel W, wherein the narrow sidesextend perpendicular to the direction of travel W are provided on theone hand. The front narrow sides—seen in the direction of travel W—ofthese backwards-slipping prevention elements are designed as push-offwings 8. Moreover, further, substantially rectangular backwards-slippingprevention elements 6 are provided, wherein the push-off wings 8 areeach formed on the rear longitudinal sides—seen in the direction oftravel W—of these backwards-slipping prevention elements 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in whichthe base element 2 comprises, in the lateral regions, i.e. adjacent tothe longitudinal edges, backwards-slipping prevention elements 6′positioned obliquely to the direction of travel. The push-off wings 8 ofthe lateral backwards-slipping prevention elements 6′ are arranged inthe illustrated embodiment at an angle α of 45° to the direction oftravel W. Moreover, in the central region between the lateral regions ofthe base element 2, backwards-slipping prevention elements 6″ areprovided which comprise push-off wings 8 arranged substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of travel. This kind of design has theadvantage that the resistance to sliding in the direction of travel W,in forward direction, especially in the case of hillside crossing, canbe reduced, but sufficient resistance to backward slipping is given bythe orthogonal arrangement of the backwards-slipping prevention elements6″ in the central region. In the embodiment of FIG. 9 thebackwards-slipping prevention elements 6′ in the lateral regions and inthe central region are of substantially identical design, wherein thebackwards-slipping prevention elements 6′, 6″ are each arranged in aplurality of rows along the base element 2. In the illustratedembodiment the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6′, 6″ comprisestraight push-off wings 8.

The embodiment according to FIG. 9 differs from that of FIG. 8 inparticular in that the push-off wings 8 of the backwards-slippingprevention elements 6′, 6″ are in sections curved in an arc.

In accordance with the embodiment of the climbing aid 1 illustrated inFIG. 10, the base element 2 comprises, at the two lateral regions,backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 a of a first type and, in thecentral region, backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 b at least of asecond type. The push-off wings 8 of the backwards-slipping preventionelements 6 a of the first type at the sides have lesser length and/orlesser height than the push-off wings 8 of the backwards-slippingprevention elements 6 b of the second type. Substantially the sameeffect as with the embodiment pursuant to FIG. 9 can be achievedherewith. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, in the centralregion, backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 c of a third type areprovided, which correspond substantially to the backwards-slippingprevention elements 6 b of the second type, but have smaller size. Thebackwards-slipping prevention elements 6 b of the second type and/or thebackwards-slipping prevention elements 6 c of the third type aredesigned in the form of symmetrical, isosceles trapezoids.

FIG. 11 illustrates a climbing aid 1 in plan view, in which thebackwards-slipping prevention elements 6 extend in the form of rampelements 7 along the entire breadth of the climbing aid 1. The result isa saw tooth-like profile of the base element 2.

In accordance with FIG. 12 a, pimple elements 16 projectingsubstantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal plane of the baseelement 2 and arranged in rows offset from each other are provided asbackwards-slipping prevention elements 6.

FIG. 12 b illustrates a climbing aid 1 with an alternative design of thepimple elements 16 which are each composed of a plurality of smallplates 16′ slightly offset from each other. Moreover, central webs 16″are provided which are composed of elongate small plates.

As may be gathered from FIG. 13, for transport purposes the climbing aid1 may be rolled up from a condition corresponding to the climbingposition on the ski 1′ (FIG. 13 a) to a transport condition (FIG. 13 b).Since the base element 2 is produced of a plastic support material 2′ itis, other than with climbing skins, not necessary here that the adhesivelayer 5 be covered with a separating film before the climbing aid 1 isrolled up.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in which the baseelement 2 comprises a plurality of longitudinal sections 17 which areconnected with one another in pairs by a respective hinge connection 18.In accordance with FIG. 14, the hinge connection 18 comprises aconnection element 19 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the base element 2, said connection element 19 havinghigher flexibility, i.e. lower resistance to deformation, than theplastic support material 2′. For this purpose, the climbing aid 1 may beproduced in the 2-component injection molding process. The longitudinalsections 17 of the climbing aid 1 can, on the one hand, be arranged in acondition corresponding to the mounting position on the ski 1′, which isillustrated schematically in FIG. 14 a by a plane orientation of thelongitudinal sections 17. On the other hand, the climbing aid 1 may befolded along the hinge connections 18 if the climbing aid 1 is to bestored after use. FIG. 14 b illustrates the folding of the longitudinalsections 17 schematically with arrows 20. In FIGS. 14 to 16 the adhesivelayer 5 and the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are notillustrated for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in which theplastic support material 2′ comprises notches 21 for forming the hingeconnections 18. The notches 21 are formed by groove-shaped recesses ofthe plastic support material 2′. In order to improve the swivelingcapacity of the longitudinal sections 17 at the notches, the notches 21extend over the entire breadth of the plastic support material 2′. Inthe illustrated embodiment the notches 21 are provided alternatingly onthe inner side and on the outer side of the plastic support material 2′.Due to the hinge connections 18 formed by the notches 21, the climbingaid 1 can be transferred from a condition corresponding to the climbingposition, which is illustrated schematically in FIG. 15 a as a planearrangement of the longitudinal sections 17, to a folded transportcondition (FIG. 15 b) which is particularly suited for storing theclimbing aid 1 in a backpack.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in which theplastic support material 2′ is connected over the entire length with aconnection layer 22 having a smaller layer thickness than the plasticsupport material 2′. The longitudinal sections 17 of the plastic supportmaterial 2′ are arranged to be spaced by gaps 23, wherein the gaps 23are designed as hinge connections 18 in the illustrated embodiment. Inthe region of the gaps 23 the climbing aid 1 has higher flexibilityand/or lower resistance to deformation than in the remaining sections,so that the storing of the climbing aid 1 is facilitated by the foldingof the longitudinal sections 17 along the hinge connections 18. Anelastic film or a flexible mesh may, for instance, be provided as aconnection layer 22, wherein, due to the spacing between the adjacentlongitudinal sections 17, the foldability of the climbing aid 1 isensured.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in which thelongitudinal sections 17 are connected with each other by means ofconnections detachable without tools. The detachable connectionscomprise cooperating positive locking elements 25 in the kind of agroove and tongue connection which is detachable in the directionperpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the base element 2. In theconnected condition, the positive locking elements 25 effect that theconnection in the longitudinal plane of the base element 2 is blocked,so that unintentional detaching of the connection in use is reliablyprevented. In this embodiment, the longitudinal sections 17 may beformed by injection molded parts.

FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in which adetachable connection is provided between adjacent longitudinal sections17. The detachable connection comprises as positive locking elements 25at least one male connecting part 26 at the one longitudinal section 17and at least one matching female connecting part 27 at the otherlongitudinal section 17. In the illustrated embodiment connecting parts26, 27 are punched from the plastic support material 2′.

FIG. 19 illustrates a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 15 a inwhich a plurality of narrower notches 21 are provided for forming thehinge connections 18. FIG. 19 additionally shows schematically anadhesive agent layer 28, in particular of a fleece material, which isprovided on the underside of the flexible plastic support material 2′which faces the running surface of the ski 1′, so as to improve theapplication of the adhesive. The adhesive agent layer 28 is preferablyapplied after the extrusion of the film web forming the plastic supportmaterial 2′.

FIG. 20 illustrates a modification of the embodiment pursuant to FIG. 8in which the base element 2 comprises, in the lateral regions,sidewards-slipping prevention elements 6′″ in the form of narrowlongitudinal webs which extend in the direction of travel W. Thisembodiment has turned out particularly advantageous for hillsidecrossing. The longitudinal webs overlap the backwards-slippingprevention elements 6. In the illustrated embodiment the base element 2comprises, in the lateral regions, two respective rows ofsidewards-slipping prevention elements 6′″ offset in the direction oftravel W.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A climbing aid for a ski, the climbing aidcomprising: a fastening device; and a plane base element connected on aninner side to said fastening device in order to be detachably fastenedto a running surface of the ski, said plane base element having an outerside with backwards-slipping prevention elements acting contrary to adirection of travel, said plane base element formed from a flexibleplastic support material, said backwards-slipping prevention elementsare integrally formed in said flexible plastic support material, saidplane base element containing lateral regions having saidbackwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings positionedobliquely to the direction of travel and, in a central region, havingsaid backwards-slipping prevention elements with said push-off wingsdisposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and/or,in said lateral edge regions, said plane base element having saidbackwards-slipping prevention elements of a first type, and, in saidcentral region, having said backwards-slipping prevention elements of asecond type, wherein said push-off wings of said backwards-slippingprevention elements of said first type have at least one of a lesserlength or of a lesser height than said push-off wings of saidbackwards-slipping prevention elements of said second type.
 25. Theclimbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said push-off wings of saidbackwards-slipping prevention elements in said lateral regions aredisposed at an angle of 30° to 60° to the direction of travel.
 26. Theclimbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said backwards-slippingprevention elements in said lateral regions and in said central regionare of identical design.
 27. The climbing aid according to claim 24,wherein said plane base element, in at least one of said lateral regionsor in said central region, has side wards-slipping prevention elementsextending in the direction of travel.
 28. The climbing aid according toclaim 24, wherein said plane base element is manufactured of apolyolefin material.
 29. The climbing aid according to claim 24, whereinsaid backwards-slipping prevention elements have ramp elements risingcontrary to the direction of travel and each forming one of saidpush-off wings.
 30. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein saidpush-off wings have a height of 0.2 to 1 mm.
 31. The climbing aidaccording to claim 24, wherein said push-off wings form acute-angledundercuts.
 32. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein saidbackwards-slipping prevention elements are disposed in a plurality ofrows which are offset from each other.
 33. The climbing aid according toclaim 24, wherein said plane base element contains a hinge connectionand at least two longitudinal sections which are connected with eachother by said hinge connection.
 34. The climbing aid according to claim33, wherein said hinge connection has a connection element disposedsubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of said planebase element, said connection element having a higher flexibility thansaid flexible plastic support material.
 35. The climbing aid accordingto claim 33, wherein said hinge connection is formed from said flexibleplastic support material, said hinge connection has at least one notchformed therein and extending over an entire breadth of said plasticsupport material.
 36. The climbing aid according to claim 35, whereinsaid flexible plastic support material has at least one notch formedtherein on said inner side and at least one notch formed therein on saidouter side.
 37. The climbing aid according to claim 33, furthercomprising a connection layer, said flexible plastic support material isunder laid with said connection layer having at least one of a lowerlayer thickness or a higher elasticity than said flexible plasticsupport material, wherein a respective gap is formed between said twolongitudinal sections of said flexible plastic support material.
 38. Theclimbing aid according to claim 33, wherein said plane base element hasa detachable connection and said at least two longitudinal sections areconnected with each other by said detachable connection.
 39. Theclimbing aid according to claim 38, wherein said detachable connectionhas cooperating form locking elements which are adapted to preventdetaching of said detachable connection in a longitudinal plane of saidplane base element and to allow detaching perpendicular thereto.
 40. Theclimbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said fastening device is anadhesive layer for an adhesive, detachable fastening to the runningsurface of the ski.
 41. The climbing aid according to claim 40, furthercomprising an adhesive agent layer disposed between said flexibleplastic support material and said adhesive layer.
 42. A ski, comprising:a sliding board body having a running surface; a climbing aid, wherein,in a climbing position, said running surface is detachably connected tosaid climbing aid, said climbing aid containing: a fastening device; anda plane base element connected on an inner side to said fastening devicein order to be detachably fastened to said running surface of the ski,said plane base element having an outer side with backwards-slippingprevention elements acting contrary to a direction of travel, said planebase element formed from a flexible plastic support material, saidbackwards-slipping prevention elements are integrally formed within saidplastic support material, said plane base element containing lateralregions having said backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-offwings positioned obliquely to the direction of travel and, in a centralregion, has said backwards-slipping prevention elements with saidpush-off wings disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction oftravel, and/or, in said lateral edge regions, said plane base elementhaving said backwards-slipping prevention elements of a first type, and,in said central region, having said backwards-slipping preventionelements of a second type, wherein said push-off wings of saidbackwards-slipping prevention elements of said first type have at leastone of a lesser length or a lesser height than said push-off wings ofsaid backwards-slipping prevention elements of said second type.
 43. Theski according to claim 42, wherein said climbing aid, in the climbingposition, extends along the ski substantially over an entire breadth ofthe ski, covering longitudinal edges of the ski.
 44. A method forproducing a climbing aid for a ski, which comprises the steps of:connecting a plane base element on an inner side to fastening means inorder to be detachably fastened to a running surface of the ski and isconnected on an outer side to backwards-slipping prevention elementsacting contrary to a direction of travel; and manufacturing the planebase element from a flexible plastic support material in which thebackwards-slipping prevention elements are formed.
 45. The methodaccording to claim 44, wherein in a first step, producing a film webwhich is, in a second step, processed with a roller profiled inaccordance with the backwards-slipping prevention elements.
 46. Themethod according to claim 44, wherein in a first step, producing a filmweb by extrusion, which is connected with an adhesive agent layer forapplication of an adhesive layer.